Ford 1700, looking for better traction in mud, plowing, etc.

[mike48130]

Rear tires + wheels would be my next move. You don't need fronts, its TWO WHEEL DRIVE !

But, still look for a another tractor that fits the bill. Find this out by asking around your area to see what is working.

You need the fronts. There is a big diameter difference between the turf and 3 ribbed. With R1's on the back, you would have one heck of a stance with the lower front end.

 

[mike48130]

I bought at a discount it from the person who sold us this house. He mentioned the tractor being easily worth twice that. I'm researching now on tractors near me, and I'm seeing tractors of roughly the same capacity going for 3-6k depending on what they come with; none of them seem to have a loader though. They all seem in better condition than mine, though - at least visually. But mine runs perfectly fine.

Ford 172 Tractor with 5' Bushhog Finish Mower - farm & garden - by owner - sale for example

I don't mind bundling my bushhog along with my tractor. I've only used it once. My Scag Cheetah is more than capable of tackling anything I can throw on it (Though it might not be too happy about it). The bushhog is a pain to attach, though.

When the economy tanked, the prices dropped. I think they are up now so a good time to sell, but you will pay more for another one. Like I said find one that you can bolt your loader onto that is 4WD. Then sell your without the loader. I'm sure there is someone looking for a grass cutter.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

The loader is a Schwartz 1200. A quick google shows that it fits other models and brands of tractor. My only worry is actually getting the **** thing off this tractor and on to another one. Is it difficult to remove the FEL alone? it's only me who's got any muscle. I might be able to get some help from the other "young" guy in church.

And yeah, the lower side bracket is the one which is cracked, though it also cracked on an upper bolt hole; took it to the shop but they made the hole too small and I can't get the bolt to tighten properly.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

FWIW I don't have the ribbed tires in the front. I have 20-8-10 6p turfs.. Just bought them, too (old one busted)

 

[Wolfy]

The old Ford 00 and 10 series are far from glorified lawn mowers, what you need is 4WD with R1s.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

How would I even go about checking to see if my loader is compatible with other tractors (other than the 1700 series)? It seems the Schwartz 1200 is the Ford OEM loader. Is there some kind of standardized sizing/mounting scheme for loaders?

 

[Wolfy]

The standard Ford loader for those was the Ford 770A and 770B.

 

[JohnFourteenSix]

This seems to be a 770B. I'm looking around within a 100mi radius and all the Ford 1300, 1700, etc. are 2wd and have turf tires. Do you know of other makes/models of tractor that are known to fit this loader? - though at this point it seems I'm probably better off just getting a different tractor with a loader.

 

[Wolfy]

You can find the rims and centers somewhere like Longlane or All states, but its regional, most of those old Fords near me have R1s, now try to find R3 front rims for a 4WD theres a challenge.